During Decius's rule the Goths led a devastating invasion throughout the empire. They sacked a large city, and thousands of people were killed. While fighting off the invasion, Decius contemplated bringing back an outdated office which he thought would add order to a morally decaying time. Indeed, the senate bestowed on a man named Valerian the power to review and improve the administrative, military and social laws of the empire. Meanwhile, the Goths having been held up in an unsuccessful siege where outmanoeuvred and ready to open negotiations for a retreat. However, Decius would hear none of it. He chased them deep into barbarian territory and was subsequently ambushed and killed with his army. Apparently, during the battle the Romans were standing on marsh and due to their heavy armour they slowly sank.